Cummings family continues Tuapeka Lodge legacy

Phil and Melinda Cummings have been charged with continuing the harness racing legacy that is Tuapeka Lodge.

The Lodge which is based in Lawrence in Central Otago New Zealand has been operating for fifty five years and Phil is a fifth generation Cummings.

The stud can lay claim to 10 sale toppers:

• Armbro View (1977 – Batchelor Hanover – Sakuntala colt $26,000)
• Young Tala (1979 – Young Charles – Sakuntala colt $20,000)
• Tuapeka Direct (1985 – Smooth Fella – Sakuntala colt $81,000)
• Kokona (1991 – Vance Hanover – Maureen’s Dream filly $25,000)
• Ermis (1990 – Smooth Fella – Tuapeka Star colt $34,000)
• Urrain (1993 – Vance Hanover – Marsa Star colt $85,000)
• Iraklis (1994 – Vance Hanover –Tuapeka Star colt $88,000)
• Lavros Harrier (1999 – Falcon Seelster – Marsa Star colt $170,000)
• Tuapeka Mariner (2008 – Christian Cullen-Seamoon colt, $250,000).

This will be the third time Phil and Melinda have offered a yearling at the sales. In 2022 they sold an Ultimate Machete colt out of Tuapeka Maddy for $28,000 and in 2023 Narrator (Always B Miki – Raconteur) was sold to Kennard Bloodstock for $20.000.

Over the years the Cummings property has expanded and is now 730 hectares.

“We do dairy grazing predominately and sheep and beef on the new block,” Phil said.

The couple are currently breeding from six broodmares: Bonnie Joan (Somebeachsomewhere – Wave Runner), Break Dance (Art Major – Wave Runner), Tuapeka Helen (Somebeachsomewhere – Lillian), Maddisons Mate (Somebeachsomewhere – Tangos Delight) and the recent addition Sweet Star Of Mine (Sweet Lou – Petra’s Star).

“We’re definitely carrying on the family tradition and looking at expanding in the next few years.”

Melinda has ties to the harness racing industry too, her uncle is prominent breeder Lex Williams.

Phil and Melinda’s entry in next month NZB Standardbred Yearling Sale in Christchurch is Tuapeka Dan (Bettor’s Delight – Bonnie Joan).

Bonnie Joan has left four foals.

Emilo Rosati purchased her first foal which was also called Tuapeka Dan. He was renamed Turbo Stride and after showing promise, he unfortunately broke a leg and never raced.

The Cummings have Bonnie Joan’s three year old filly Bonnie’s Girl (Bettor’s Delight) in work at Nathan Williamson’s Branxholme barn and she was an impressive winner at the Wyndham Workouts recently running under qualifying time, while bloodstock agent Peter Lagan recently bought the mare’s two year old filly Bettor Response for an Australian client.

Lot 372 Tuapeka Dan – Bay colt Bettor’s Delight – Bonnie Joan (Somebeachsomewhere)

Bonnie Joan won eleven races including the Group Two Premier Mares Championship at Addington, running the 1950 metres in 2-19.7 a 1-55.2 mile rate. Other Group Two wins included The Southland Oaks and the Northern Breeders Stakes. She ran second to Spanish Armada in the G1 New Zealand Oaks and second equal in the G1 Nevele R Fillies Final won by Spanish Armada.

Her winning time of 3-17.1 over 2700 metres from behind the mobile in the Southland Oaks was a race, track, Southland and New Zealand record.

“He’s (the yearling) a strong compact colt. He’s a complete horse who’s been well fed and he’s filled out everywhere he should. He’s true to breed because he’s a tough wee bugger. He learns really quickly. You can teach him something and he’s got it. The Bettor’s Delights are tough anyway so chuck a bit of Bonnie in there and you get double toughness.”

This colt’s second dam Wave Runner has been a prolific breeder leaving Kilowatt Kid (19 wins), Sand Wave (10 wins), Wavethebill (10 wins) and Break Dance 5 wins and 1-53.3).

Tuapeka Dan’s photos and videos can be viewed on the www.tuapekalodge.co.nz ,on the NZB Standardbred website or viewed in the flesh on the SBSR tour on Monday 12^th and Tuesday 13^th February.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink